The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild supports personal growth in the fibre arts through study groups, workshops, mentoring and sharing of experience.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Summer Update

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners are "on holiday" until September but that does not mean we are spending all of our time at the beach. We have been out and about giving demonstrations and showing off our work. In June we joined in the 100th celebration of the MacMillan School House in Parksville. Our display included antique coverlets, old lace and rag rugs from the turn of the century.

In June a number of guild members attended the Association of North West Weaving Guilds conference in Bellingham. It was a wonderful opportunity to take workshops from top notch instructors, to see the works of artisans from across the north west and to meet up with members of other guilds. Shopping was also involved of course. Congratulations are in order to the Nanoose Guild (a close neighbour to the Qualicum guild) for their guild booth. They demonstrated that a small group can still put on an impressive display. Congratulations also to Pat who took home an honourable mention award for her iridescent shawl.
In July, we were out demonstrating again. This time we participated in the Art in Action event sponsored by The Old School House Gallery in Qualicum Beach. This event brings together artists and crafts people from the mid island region who get to show off their works and encourage people to share in their interests. Hopefully we inspired a few people to consider weaving and spinning as a hobby. The warp on our demonstration loom finally ran out at this event with all the enthusiastic apprentices that tried their hand at weaving.

Meanwhile, back at the guild studio in the train station a group created a mix warp and set up the Gilmore loom under the direction of Myrtle. That warp has now been turned into a lovely piece of yardage that will appear as a Hapi wrap at our November sale.
NEXT: WATCH FOR US AT THE LIGHT HOUSE COUNTRY FALL FAIR AT THE END OF AUGUST.

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About Us

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild has been part of the Oceanside artisan community since 1991. The guild evolved from a small group of students of noted local weaver Elaine Duncan to approximately 50 members. The group promotes the fibre arts through information sharing, demonstrations and workshops. The group meets the fourth Monday of the month at Qualicum Commons in Qualicum Beach to exchange ideas and learn. Much of the learning occurs in the form of show and tell with individual artisans sharing their experiences. Study groups, workshops and mentoring all support the guild's goal of fostering personal growth in the fibre arts. The guild is a member of the Oceanside Arts Council, The Association of North West Weaving Guilds and the Guild of Canadian Hand Weavers.

Guests are welcome to attend our monthly meetings. For the schedule see Guild Events.

Links of Interest

ELEGANT THREADS

Elegant Threads is the annual show and sale of the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners.

It features one of a kind hand spun yarns, unique clothing, household linens and decor and whimsical creations. All of the items are hand crafted by members of the guild.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the sale including family members who provided the heavy lifting.

Thanks also to Winterfest for helping with the promotion.

If you missed the show look for us in November of 2018

Guild Events

January 16 to 30th, Knitting Basics lessons, Qualicum Commons

January 24, 10 am to 3 pm, Beginners Weaving Course, This course runs for 5 weeks on Wednesdays. It takes place at the guild studio at 744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach. For more information contact weaversatelier@shaw.ca

Feb 22, 2pm , Exploring More Study Group meeting Qualicum Commons

Feb 23 and 28, Nuno Felting 1 day Workshop, Qualicum Commons (Feb 23rd session is full). This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested in attending the Feb 28th session.

Feb 27, 10 pm, Annual General Meeting, Qualicum Commons

March 5 and 12, 1 to 4 pm, Learning Weaving Drafts. Day 1, the basics, Day 2 profile drafts. This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested.

Tuesdays 10 am to 12 pm, Spinning group meets most Tuesdays at the guild studio in Qualicum Commons